Favorite Nude Lip Glosses!


I didn’t always love wearing lipgloss. For a long time, I only bought liquid lipsticks and preferred drying, matte lip products. Recently, that has changed completely and I’ve found a new love for hydrated, glossy looking lips! My favorite colors to wear are nude shades, just because they are easy to create an eye look around. Plus, I don’t worry too much about transfer or a messy application when it’s a natural shade. There are so many different types of lip glosses on the market and I wanted to share with you my tried and true favorites! I also wanted to show you some swatches of the colors, just so you can see opacity and the look of it applied on a medium skin tone.        


   

Buxom “Full-On Lip Cream”, $20.

     

These are by far my favorite lip glosses! I have recommended them to so many people and they work so well! There are a ton of shades in the range, so there is something for anyone, whether they love natural or colorful glosses. The nude colors I love most are White Russian and Hot Toddy! White Russian is a milky, light pink shade and Hot Toddy is more of a brown, peach color. They are very high-shine and plumping, but they definitely don’t burn and sting like a lot of lip plumping glosses do. It is more of a minty/cooling sensation once applied. I will say this is a stickier gloss, definitely not anything uncomfortable, but you can feel them on your lips and it is slightly tacky. However, I think that’s what makes them last throughout the day, so I really don’t mind it at all. They aren’t extremely opaque, but they do provide a hint of color to the lips. Also I absolutely have to mention the delicious vanilla mint smell! I have so many of these glosses and I will continue to repurchase them because to me, they’re absolutely perfect! 

       

Sephora “Outrageous Effect Volume Lip”, $12.

      

This gloss is pretty new to my collection, but over the past month it has become one of my new favorites! This is another lip plumper gloss, but I’m happy to report it doesn’t burn or cause any painful sensations! I love the color of the gloss and it is actually very similar in formula to the Buxom glosses (except this one is cheaper, woo!) There are only 4 shades so far, which is kind of a bummer, but the “02” color that I picked up is a beautiful brown, nude shade. It is super high shine once applied to the lips and it also has the best applicator! The only downfall for this one, is the scent. I really don’t know how to describe it, but it’s like a chemical cinnamon type of smell, which I am definitely not here for. Once I get past that, I really do love the way this gloss looks on my lips! I’ve gotten so many compliments every time I wear it out, which is always a great sign! I’m going to try out the other colors, but for now, this one is getting a lot of use in my collection! 

            

Bare Minerals “Gen Nude Buttercream Lipgloss”, $18. 

      

If you are looking for a really beautiful shimmery lip gloss, this is the one for you! The shade I’m obsessed with is called, “Fly” and it is described as a “radiant tan with gold pearl” which is basically perfection for summertime. These are very lightweight and moisturizing, plus they’re not sticky at all. I love that they have a balmy texture, making them super comfortable and easy to throw on when rushing out the door! I typically steer clear of glosses with shimmer in them, but this one gives the most subtle highlighted effect to the lips. This shade perfectly completes a bronze or golden makeup look, which are my favorite to wear! There are a lot of other shades in this range that seem equally as stunning, I want to try the colors “Far Out” and “Snarky” next! 

      

Too Faced, “Sweet Peach Creamy Peach Oil Lip Gloss”, $19.

      

This formula is definitely more of a nourishing oil, than a standard lip gloss, but I wanted to mention it anyways because I use it all the time and it does give a shiny look to my lips! This is a very lightweight, creamy product that is also opaque! I love that you get so much great color payoff and can really do a complete lip look with one product. The only downside to this product would be that it doesn’t last very long, but it doesn’t claim to and honestly, I never expected something with a slippery, oil-like texture to resist fading and transferring throughout the day. One of the greatest aspects to this lip gloss is the amazing fresh peach smell! The color “Papa Don’t Peach” is a warm peach color that is super close to the natural shade of my lips. I find that this is my go-to product when I want something really comfortable and hydrating, which is perfect for these warm summer months! 

       

NYX “Butter Gloss”, $4.99.

     

I have gone through so many of these glosses over the years! They are the best at the drugstore and have 34 shades, so you’re bound to find your perfect color! I would describe these as very creamy, with a medium opacity. You can definitely layer these over lipsticks, but you don’t have to! I am usually not a huge fan of baby pink nude shades, but “Creme Brûlée” is just so dang beautiful! I love that they smell like Angel Food Cake and give such great shine without being sticky! The texture is literally like butter! I would highly recommend these to anyone. Even if you don’t like an all-over glossy look, you can just use these in the middle of your lips to make them appear fuller. Trust me, these will be your new bestie! 

     

Thank you for reading this post on my favorite nude lip glosses! I hope I helped you discover a new shade or formula that would fit your preferences! I am a fiend when it comes to good nude lip products, so please leave me some recommendations in the comments! Have a great week! 

     

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Holiday Gift Guide for Gals!


I wanted to share a gift guide for anyone that stresses and struggles with finding the perfect gift for their sister, daughter, best friend, co-worker, etc! There’s always so much pressure to find the greatest possible present, so hopefully this helps alleviate a slight amount of holiday-induced nervousness! I wanted to find gifts in different price ranges and categories so you can find the exact present that whoever you’re shopping for would love and most importantly use!     


Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf, $48.

I cannot sing enough praises for this item! This scarf is a little pricey at 50 bucks, however I think it’s totally worth it since you can wear it in so many different ways! It’s so warm and soft, the material is also slightly stretchy so it will never feel tight and suffocating, as some scarfs tend to be! It also has a row of buttons, that you can easily snap on and off to create the different looks. If you unbutton the entire row, you can easily make it an infinity scarf! Button half the snaps for a handkerchief scarf look. You can also create a blanket, cardigan, shawl, and hood! I highly suggest checking out this YouTube video on the many ways to style the Vinyasa scarf! This would be the perfect present for an outdoors lover or someone that loves working out! 

     


Initial necklace, $60.

I think this is a really great gift for someone that has a classic style and enjoys more minimalistic jewelry on a day-to-day basis. I have had this “A” necklace for years and still wear it almost every single day. It goes with every outfit and is always understated, but beautiful. I’ve seen different variations of this necklace, but the one that I own is from South Moon Under. It’s called the, “Nashelle A Initial Disc Necklace Charm” and then I also have the accompanying chain. I know Kate Spade makes a similar style as well! 

    

BaubleBar Earrings, $25. 

If you are shopping for someone that loves glitzy, statement jewelry, but you don’t want to spend a whole lot…then BaubleBar will become your new BFF! They make such sturdy, high quality pieces that are super affordable! Usually they have some sort of 15% off promotion running as well, so I always recommend shopping these items whenever you can get an extra discount! I love their statement earrings for a special occasion. 

          


Sephora Collection, “Breakups to Makeups” Makeup Bag, $26.

Not all makeup bags are created equally! This one in particular is so well made and designed, that I can fit all of my daily makeup items in it and have it lay flat in my purse! The inside has a durable lining that you can easily wipe down if a lipstick spontaneously decides to break free. Plus, the cute and catchy slogans that are on each makeup bag will make the gift receiver chuckle! It’s a win, win and not outrageously expensive for such a high quality travel item!

          


Kate Spade Phone Case, $40. 

Any phone case by any brand will do the trick, I just wanted to show off my new, cute leopard print one from Kate Spade! If you know the model of their phone, then you can totally pick out an adorable phone case for them based on their personality! Caseify and Sonix makes really unique and cute patterns that they will love! You can also pick up a portable charger or extra long charging cord if you know this person is a techie on the go! 

   

     

Notebook and Coffee Mug, $10.

I wanted to include some ideas that would work great as stocking stuffers too! I think giving a notebook is such an easy gift because who honestly couldn’t use some extra paper?! I love making lists and just writing ideas out, so I always keep an eye out for cute notebooks whenever I’m shopping at HomeGoods or Target. I think pairing this notebook with a coffee mug is a nice idea because it’s an extra little gift that maybe they’ll use while they’re drinking coffee and jotting down a to-do list in the morning, or sipping tea and journaling at night! You get where I’m going with this! This coffee mug is from Target and only $5! 

      

STOCKING STUFFERS


        

Fuzzy socks, $3-$5.

I mean they’re fuzzy socks, do you need more of an explanation?! They’re the perfect gift for anyone! Regardless of age or interest, I think we can all agree that the enjoyment of fuzzy socks can bring all women together in love and happiness. I picked up the two pairs in the photo from Nordstrom, but literally every store sells these so no worries in finding a suitable pair! 

    

Pop Figure, $12. 

These are cute, little versions of popular tv and movie characters that can be displayed on a desk or in someone’s room! I would get this for someone that’s a major fan of a particular series! I love Friends, so of course I had to get a Rachel! How cute is that Central Perk apron and coffee cup though?! You can find these in bookstores and on Amazon! 

      

OPI Infinite Shine Nail Polish, $12.

By far the best nail polishes ever! I will probably do an entire blog post reviewing these because they’re that amazing! They sell all of the classic OPI shades in this formula and also have limited edition colors as well! The one pictured is in the color, “Bubble Bath,” which is an awesome go-to nude, pink shade that I can see anyone loving! 

       

It’s Skin, “Cookie & Body Ice Cream,” $10.

For only 10 bucks, you can give someone the wonderful gift of smelling like cookie dough after they apply this creamy lotion! It not only looks like ice cream (sucker for cute packaging) but it’s also a great formula! Very lightweight and not greasy at all! The perfect little stocking stuffer for anyone! 

        

I hope this gift guide gave you some great ideas on what to get your mom, sis, daughter, BFF, anyone! Don’t let this holiday season be full of stress and worry, remember it’s not about the presents! I try to always give gifts that someone would truly use and also never buy for themselves! Comment your present recommendations below! Thank you for reading and Merry Christmas! 

   

Shop these items!

Lululemon scarf
    

Initial Necklace
    

BaubleBar Earrings
   

Makeup Bag
      

Coffee Mug

     

OPI Nail Polish

My Favorite Fall Fashion Accesories!

My favorite way to stay up-to-date with ever-changing, seasonal fashion trends is by adding a few key accessories to my very basic wardrobe. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Fall accessories that I am loving this season! A couple of these exact items aren’t currently in stock, however I linked similar alternatives that are in the same price range! I find that just interchanging different accessories can give the same, plain outfit a totally different feel. For example, I feel like a big, blanket scarf is perfect for a festive daytime look, but just by swapping out the scarf for a trendy choker, you have a new, edgy vibe that works for nighttime looks as well! I think investing in a few key pieces each season can prevent you from overbuying multiple items that will eventually turn out to be trendy for a brief moment in time.


  
I feel like a floppy hat is a perfect way to play it safe, but also stay on-trend. You can’t go wrong with this neutral color either! Hats are great for hiding bad hair days or concealing unsightly roots. I personally love wearing this hat with two fishtail braided pigtails! I honestly think floppy hats are going to be around for the next couple years, I bought a black one last year and wore it all the time! I think hats in general are just huge for this Fall season, I have been eyeing a gray, suede baseball cap as I mindlessly browse the Nordstrom app and I am pretty sure I need it.

    
I absolutely love big, square scarfs! This one in particular has been my favorite because it has such a unique color combo that I am so drawn to! The square shape makes it perfect for folding into a triangle and wearing it like a blanket scarf! I highly recommend checking out Pinterest  here to see exactly what I’m talking about and how to tie it in this way! Geometric patterned scarves are everywhere this season, so I would definitely suggest investing in this trend! Not only will it keep you warm, but it will keep you very fashion forward, which is a win-win in my book.


These are my all-time, favorite boot! Not only are they leather AND water resistant, but they are truly the comfiest heeled boot that I own! I can wear these all day, walk five miles and still feel absolutely content. They are so padded and perfectly designed to not put tension on the arch of your foot. I think the suede tassel design is unique, but definitely on trend from what I’ve been seeing in handbags and shoes this season. I get compliments on these all time from everyone, regardless of age or style! They seem to be pretty universally adaptable to anyone’s wardrobe and I would highly recommend checking them out and at least trying them on in store! I am someone that values comfort above all things, so I can definitely attest to how worth it these babies are!


BaubleBar is one of my favorite online retailers to buy trendy, but well-made jewelry at a reasonable price! I have seen so many people rocking the famous ’90’s trend recently, but I never felt confident enough to take the plunge! Whenever I saw this particular choker, I thought it was so feminine and unique, that I had to try it out! I really love the quality of the necklace and find that the small tassel details and well-made closure, make it feel more luxurious than it cost! I receive so many compliments on this piece that it makes me want to start wearing chokers more often! BaubleBar has a simple, burgundy velvet choker that I have been adding and re-adding to my cart recently, so I will keep you updated on whether or not I purchase!

    
I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my favorite fashion accessories for Fall! Please leave me a comment letting me know what you’ve been wearing on repeat this season!

Shop these items here! 

Phase 3 Whipstitch Wool Floppy Hat, $19.80.
Similar Style Here – Now on Sale! 
    

BP. Geo Pattern Square Scarf, $18.80.

Similar Style Here – Now on Sale!

    
PIKOLINOS ‘Andorra’ Water Resistant Boot, $199. Shop Here

    
BaubleBar Lariat Choker, $36. Shop Here

  

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October Beauty Favorites! 

Fall favorites are the best favorites! During the month of October, I have been in love with warm bronze tones. I’ve been wearing my makeup pretty much the same for every occasion, changing up my lip color to suit day or night. I’ve been focusing on flawless skin with bronze and copper eyeshadow shades and a glowy, warm-toned blush. I always try to include high-end and affordable options because on a daily basis, I’m typically wearing a combination of both! I also usually mention fashion favorites in these posts, but I’m actually going to do a separate blog on that because I have a lot for the month of October and didn’t want to make this one too lengthy! I hope you enjoy reading about the beauty products I’ve been loving this month and please let me know if we have any favorites in common, or what new products you think I should try out! 

Nars Dual-Intensity, “Himalia”

These eyeshadows are pricey, but they’re absolutely gorgeous! They are pigmented on their own, but can also be used with a wet brush for an intense, foiled effect. The shade “Himalia” is a neutral, bronzey-taupe color that has champagne sparkles throughout it. Once applied to the lid, it has a unique violet undertone, which makes it especially beautiful! This is an easy color to wear all over your lid and blend into the crease for a quick makeup look that appears to have taken a lot of effort! Another reason I love this particular eyeshadow is because it’s so long lasting and it will not fade throughout the day! I really want to try other colors, but at $29 each…I’m pacing myself! 

     

M.A.C Glitter Pigment, “Reflects Bronze”

I have a few of these miniature M.A.C pigments and I never seem to make a dent in them! I love the shade “Reflects Bronze” because it’s very sparkly, but it’s also somewhat wearable since it’s a gold shade that seems to compliment any look! I find myself loving this on natural eye looks, just as much as I love it with a dramatic smokey eye! I find that the copper glitter in this pigment compliment my brown eye color too! Since this is a loose glitter, I recommend using a mixing medium of some kind to make it easy to apply and decrease the amount of fallout. My favorites are M.A.C Fix Plus and Too Faced glitter glue! 

    

Benefit Ka-Brow! Cream-Gel Eyebrow Color, “03 Medium” 

This is my new favorite brow product ever! I’ve been using this every single day and I love it so much! It is a very natural color, which sometimes is harder to find than one would think! A lot of brunette brow products are too ashy or too red-toned, but this one is the perfect, as-natural-as-you-can-get-when-filling-in-your-entire-brow color! It will not fade or transfer, but comes off pretty easily with makeup remover or warm, soapy water! I feel like this product has decreased the amount of eyebrow hair loss too…which might sound crazy, but I’m pretty sure using a pencil for years has damaged the natural hairs in my brows. Another pro to this product is the convenient, travel friendly packaging! There is a perfectly sized, angled brush in the lid of the product, what a bonus!

     

Tarteist Clay Paint Liner, “Bronze”

If you’re looking for a softer alternative to classic black eyeliner, then you need to try out this gorgeous brown shade from Tarte! I love using gel eyeliner on my upper lash line, since I usually wing it out on the daily. This one lasts so long and will not budge after you apply it! The shade “Bronze” is a chocolate brown color with a slight shimmer, making it subtle, with a fun twist! 

   

ColourPop Lippie Stix, “Oh Snap” 

I can’t get enough of these ColourPop Lippie Stix and at only $5 each, you can afford to get every color you love! The shade “Oh Snap” is that super, on-trend, mauve color that everyone is wearing! This color isn’t too off from my natural lip shade, making it a really easy product to just apply without being too precise! These Lippie Stix are super creamy and pigmented, but also very long lasting, which sounds like the perfect formula to me! 

    

ColourPop Super Shock Cheek, “Avalon” 

Can’t stop and won’t stop raving about ColourPop! If you want to expand your makeup collection on a budget, then you need to go online right now and check out their wide range of products! This bronze, rose gold, highlight color is perfect to use as a blush topper if you’re wanting to give your skin an extra pop of shimmer during the colder months! You can also use this on your eyes to achieve a glossy shadow look, which is super on trend at the moment! I’ve been enjoying this particular shade on and off the last few months, but I cannot put it down during October! 

Shop Nars Eyeshadow

Shop M.A.C Pigment

Shop Benefit Brow

Shop Tarte Liner

Shop ColourPop Lippie Stix

Shop ColourPop Super Shock Cheek
    

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Tarte “Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel” Review and Swatches!


With the holiday season quickly approaching, all of our favorite beauty brands are releasing their limited-edition sets! I love shopping on Sephora because they show you the price of the product (duh) and they also show you the value of the set, so you can see how much money you’re saving! This usually sways me one way or another when deciding which sets to buy and which ones to pass up on. I discovered the Tarte “Amazonian Clay Blush Palette Color Wheel” on the super addicting “Just Added” section on Sephora’s website. It was a $150 dollar value and I paid $44 for 8 blushes and 2 highlights! I feel like that’s a great deal since Tarte blushes are my absolute favorite formula (they last forever on the cheeks) and I really liked the variety of both cool and warm toned shades! I have owned other Tarte seasonal blush palettes in the past and was very pleased to discover that their permanent blush shade’s formula is what is used in their limited edition sets.       


The packaging on this product is absolutely stunning and very high quality! I love the fun, purple swirls on the front of the palette. It’s very sturdy and not light in weight, so I think this would be amazing for travel! The blushes range from matte and luster finishes and it comes with two beautiful pearlescent highlighters. The palette is split into two with 5 warm shades and 5 cool toned shades. There is also a plastic divider between both sections to prevent your blush pans from transferring onto one another! 



Let’s begin with the warm toned side, which of course is my favorite! The first shade is a highlighter named, “Idol” and it can be described as a golden-bronze shimmer. The formula is very smooth and it applies very evenly and glossy on the cheekbones! I feel like this particular shade will go with medium and darker skin-tones beautifully since it has that gorgeous golden undertone! Next is the blush in the shade, “Culture” and it is a very pretty, peach shade with golden shimmer. I already know this is going to be one of my favorite blushes in the palette! The next color, “Surreal” is a violet-based pink shade that has a neon vibe to it! The shade “Deco” is also very neon and bright, but is a coral color with an orange undertone! This type of shade is awesome to provide an energized, awake look to your skin when you’re running late to work and need a quick, fresh makeup look! Lastly, “Mod” is a very muted, nude-peach shade that has a rose undertone. I feel like this color is going to be perfect for fall makeup looks! 


“Crafty” is a champagne highlight with slight silver reflects. It is very cool toned, but unfortunately does not apply as smoothly as the other highlight in the palette. I find this color looks better as an inner-corner eye highlight shade, rather than on top of the cheekbones. It isn’t a total fail, just not my absolute favorite. The blush called, “Montage” is a plum-berry shade that is really bright, yet wearable. “Ironic” is a brick-red, rosy shade that is actually pretty warm toned. Next is, “Icon” and I would describe it as a rosy-peach-pink color that is very cool toned. I think this will look beautiful during the winter months and will go with so many makeup looks! The last color, “Concept” is a nude shade with a cool, mauve undertone. I feel like this will be another favorite of mine because it’s very wearable and can go with any makeup look! 

     

As you can see, you get so much variety in this palette and it’s definitely a good value for only $44! This is perfect if you’re looking to invest in a good quality blush palette with lots of different shades! I’m really happy they included a couple highlighters as well. These blushes last 14+ hours on my skin, so I never have to worry about fading! They are also formulated without parabens, so thank you Tarte for caring about the ingredients in your products! I would highly recommend this product if you love blush and enjoy changing it up on a daily basis! I know I’m going to get a lot of use out of this palette, but that’s only because I wear blush every single day! What holiday sets do you have your eye on this season? What would you like to see me review and swatch next? Let me know in the comments! Thank you so much for reading! 

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First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Bouncy Mask! 

I’m a sucker for trying new skincare products, especially masks! When I first checked out the “First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Bouncy Mask” on Sephora’s website, it seemed too good to be true! Not only is this product formulated for sensitive skin, which I have, but it also has no parabens, sulfates or phthalates! Yay! It claims to give the same results as a facial, perfecting the overall appearance of the skin, but in one simple mask application for only 10 minutes! You get 1.7 oz. of product for $38.00, which may seem expensive for a face mask, but when you weigh the cost of getting facials and using other skincare products to achieve the same results, you will see that all of those extra treatments can add up quickly! I think this is a pretty good value for what it’s claiming to do!   

First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Bouncy Mask 1.7 oz $38.00


This mask is aimed at correcting uneven skin tone, dullness and enlarged pores, while also making the skin more firm. It is gentle enough to be used three times a week, or whenever you feel that your skin is looking tired and in need of a pick-me-up. There are many natural products in this formula, including rose bud extract and Vitamin C, which will plump and hydrate the skin. The most impressive claim for me was this mask’s ability to calm, nourish and refine uneven texture, which I do have on certain areas of my face.

   
As I first opened this product, I immediately noticed a strong cucumber smell. So if you don’t like that, you’ll probably want to stay far away from this mask. The texture is exactly as the name states; “bouncy.” It is super sticky when getting it out of the jar and has a syrup-like consistency (weird comparison, I know!) Once applied to the face, it just looks like a completely clear, shiny layer of moisturizer. I actually kind of liked this because I didn’t feel crazy walking around my house, like I do with my black and green colored masks. It says to wait 10 minutes until taking it off with warm water, but I decided to leave it on for 15-20 minutes. 

Mask applied to the back of my hand

Once I rinsed it off, I noticed my skin looked brighter and more hydrated. I didn’t even feel like I needed to put on my nightly moisturizer! Safe to say, I was very impressed. It also calmed some of the redness I have around my nose and chin area. Since I had such great results, I continued using it throughout the week, waiting a couple days in between uses! I noticed that over time, this mask did begin to shrink the pores on my cheeks and give me a much brighter complexion! I don’t know how much of a firming effect this product has, but I do know that the plumping/hydrating aspect makes the fine lines around my eye-area seem softer and not as pronounced.

   
It’s always amazing whenever you find a product that actually works! I was so relieved that my money was well spent on this mask, as it’s one of the more expensive ones I’ve ever purchased! I love First Aid Beauty as a brand and use many of their other skincare products on a daily basis! Let me know if you would like to see a review on some of these other items as well! If you are looking for a good, “facial-in-a-jar” type of mask, then I would highly recommend this one! It’s worth it because it actually gives you the results it claims to offer, plus you only need a small amount to cover your entire face, so I can see this lasting for a long time! I want to know what skincare products you are currently loving so please leave me a comment below! Thank you so much for reading! 

   

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Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation: Review & Wear Test!

As soon as I saw there was new foundation releasing from Urban Decay, I knew I had to try it! I am a huge fan of the UD Naked Skin foundation, so I had very high hopes for this product to perform at the same level! I did want to list the claims of this foundation because it is super different than the Naked Skin. The only similarity between the two are the shade categories that Urban Decay created. For reference, I wanted to mention I am a 6.0 in this foundation, but it does oxidize to be a half shade darker. It’s nothing too terrible, but I definitely noticed that as soon as the foundation dried, it did get slightly darker in color.

Urban Decay Cosmetics, All Nighter Liquid Foundation, Shade 6.0. $40 for 1 oz.


    
This is my first “wear-test” makeup review, so let me know if you enjoy these types of posts! I wanted to check in at various points of the day since this product is marketed as long-lasting and mattifying. I marked the times of each photo and documented the way my skin looked and felt, so you will have constant updates on how it’s holding up. I even worked out, while wearing it (and I hate working out with makeup on) so you can see how it performs during crazy conditions!

 

Claims

  • “Full coverage with a modern matte finish that never looks overdone.”
  • “Get all-night wear and a blown-out effect you never thought was possible for a flawless-looking complexion that looks amazing and stays that way.”
  • “Completely matte – but never flat (and it’s oil-free!).”
  • “An insane amount of pigment (about three times as much as Naked Skin Liquid Makeup), so a little goes a long way.”
  • “This waterproof, paraben-free formula diffuses light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin as it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine.”

       

    Initial Application – 9:00am



    After reading some reviews online, many people suggested that this product applies more evenly with a damp Beauty Blender, so that is what I used! I also applied my Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer beforehand because my skin was looking extra dehydrated on this morning. My first reaction is that a little goes a long way! This product pumps out super thick and creamy, so I was happy I could sheer it out more with the help of my damp sponge. One pump was enough product to cover my entire face, so this formula is extremely pigmented and very full coverage. At $40 for 1oz, I was happy to see that I’ll get a lot of uses out of one bottle. You can see in my before and after that the foundation is extremely mattifying and full-coverage, but in my opinion, it does not look cakey or overdone! I was really impressed with it’s ability to cover all of my redness and uneven pigmentation. If you have problem skin or acne, I could see this product also taking the place of your concealer since it’s so full-coverage.
         
    First Check-In – 1:00pm



    At this point, I had just returned from church and lunch. I was outside in the sun for a little bit, but not to the point where I was sweating. I think my makeup looks pretty fresh. Some foundations tend to break up after a couple hours around my nose and chin, so I was pleasantly surprised that everything looked even and matte after a few hours into the day.  

         

    Second Check-In – 5:45pm



    After lunch, I went to run errands, which of course included a Starbucks visit. Have you guys tried their Iced Coconut Mocha Macchiato?! I am obsessed. Anyways, I thought this picture was an amazing representation of how good this foundation is! First of all, natural light isn’t always forgiving and displays oily skin in a super obvious way. So for this to still look matte and even, I was extremely impressed! I also read a lot of reviews that said the longer you wear this product, the longer it feels cakey. I disagree with that claim because I never noticed a thick feeling on my skin at any point with this product.  

         

    Third Check-In – 8:00pm



    This check-in was after going for a walk and then doing a Kayla Itsines circuit workout. So keep in mind I was sweating a lot, wiping my face and definitely predicting that my foundation would be looking crazy afterwards. Nope, not at all. It still looked good! I noticed that it was a little patchy around my forehead, which was probably from my hair! Honestly, it was more of my bronzer that was breaking up than the foundation itself. This was a true test of it’s claim to be waterproof and oil absorbing. In my opinion, it passed with flying colors! I was seriously shocked when I looked at the photo up close and still thought I looked matte!

    Fourth Check-In – 10:30pm



    Time for bed! I tried to wear this foundation until midnight, but I got super sleepy so 10:30pm had to suffice. I didn’t think my foundation, or makeup in general looked amazing…but keep in mind all that I had put it through and the likelihood of any formula holding up perfectly through those conditions. So although I didn’t look fresh-faced, I still could see that I was matte and the product wasn’t majorly breaking up around the areas on my face that tend to react poorly to liquid foundation. The only part of the foundation that separated noticeably was on my nose. As you can see, most of my freckles are exposed at this point and you can see some slight redness around the sides. For me personally, that isn’t enough to call this product a dud because it withheld an entire day of active wear.

        

    Final Thoughts

    I absolutely think this foundation is worth the money. If you struggle with uncontrollable oily skin or if you have problematic breakouts that can’t be covered with other foundations, then I think you need this! I personally have combination/dry skin, but my t-zone can get super oily during the summer months. I could see that this foundation did an amazing job at controlling this, without feeling heavy. This definitely isn’t a light foundation, but I think applying it with a beauty blender is your best bet at sheering it out to the point it’s comfortable on your skin. I could not be more impressed with it’s wear time and lasting on my skin for 13.5 hours. Keep in mind, this is my personal experience with the foundation and I can certainly see why girls with dry skin types absolutely hate this! It will not provide you with extra hydration or a dewy finish, so steer clear of this if that is you preference! The only small con would be the oxidizing of the foundation after you apply it. It wasn’t anything alarming for me, since it was only slightly darker, but keep that in mind when you are trying to color match! 

        
    I hope you enjoyed this first impression review and update throughout the day! I really liked this style of post, so let me know if you want to see more of this format in the future! What other products would you like for me to put to the test? Let me know! Thanks for reading! 

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    July Favorites!


    It’s that time again! I’m sharing my monthly beauty, fashion and skincare favorites with you for July! These products have been my most frequently reached for all month long, so you can trust that they’re high quality! I’m always interested in knowing your favorite products for the month, so please comment below and let me know! 

    Beauty     

          
    Urban Decay Naked Skin Complete Coverage Weightless Concealer, “Light Warm”

    This is my go-to under eye concealer because it’s lightweight and full coverage, aka the best of both worlds! This product blends out so beautifully and never creases underneath my eyes. I love the shade “light warm” because it is a bright yellow color that acts as a highlight on my medium skin tone. Another amazing aspect is the longevity, this will not fade or break up throughout the day. If you’re looking for a new concealer, I would definitely suggest this for any skin type and any skin tone! I’m always amazed at the intense coverage I get from such a lightweight formula and that is why I always go back to this product time after time! 

        

    Buxom Full-On Lip Cream, “White Russian” 

    You need this lipgloss. I just don’t know what else to say other than you need it in your life and you’ll love it more than all other glosses. This creamy formula plumps your lips without stinging! It actually feels cooling when you apply it and somehow gives the look of fuller lips (which I’m obsessed with.) The shade “White Russian” is a very light nude shade that looks great on its own, or paired on top of a nude lipstick. Just a warning, this is a very creamy and thick formula, so if you don’t like the feeling of lipgloss on your lips then you will probably dislike this product! The scent is like a vanilla-mint, which I’m personally a huge fan of. Buxom makes a lot of other shades in this range, so if a super nude color isn’t for you, check out some of their others! I’m also obsessed with the “Hot Toddy” shade as well! 

        

    Bare Minerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lip Color, “XYZ”

    Obsessed is an understatement. This is BY FAR the best liquid lipstick formula that I’ve ever tried! It’s so thin and liquidy, so it dries super quickly once applied on your lips! It’s very matte, but not extremely drying. My lips stayed pretty hydrated throughout the wear of this, which is something I’ve never experienced before with a liquid lipstick! I noticed I didn’t have to wear a lip liner with this product because it doesn’t transfer or bleed outside of the area you apply it. The color is amazing as well! XYZ is the perfect nude-brown shade for medium skin tones. This formula lasts for about 5 hours before fading on me, which is amazing! It even stayed put during eating and drinking! Plus it leaves behind a beautiful stained effect, which I love. 

         

    Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation, “Medium Neutral” 

    This product was a lifesaver during the month of July because it gives a full coverage foundation look, without being heavy at all! During the summer months, I tend to forgo liquid foundation because it’s heavy and tends to look cakey throughout the day, which makes a powder foundation super ideal! Not only does this product cover up all of my flaws, but it feels super light on my skin! I can forget that I’m even wearing makeup whenever I put this product on. My favorite way to apply this is by first putting on a primer all over my face so the powder has something to adhere to. Next, I use a flat top powder brush and buff it onto my skin in small circular motions! I love this because it’s super long lasting and prevents me from getting oily throughout the day, but it also isn’t too matte, making my skin look dull and lifeless. This is my new favorite powder foundation and I would recommend this to anyone who wants a lightweight feel, but a full coverage foundation look!

         

    Ardell Demi Wispies Natural Multipack 

    I’ve recently been loving these lashes to intensify any makeup look! They define my eyes so beautifully and give me a full lash appearance, without being over-the-top! They give a more voluminous lash look, rather than lengthening, which is my personal preference in a false lash style. I really wanted to share these because they look so gorgeous with dramatic, smokey eye looks and natural eyeshadow looks as well! I love how light the lash band is because they don’t feel uncomfortably heavy on the eyes, which allows me to wear them for hours without any discomfort! I highly recommend trying these out whether you wear false lashes all the time, or have never tried them! These are a great, versatile style and very easy to apply for beginners! 

    Fashion 


    Madewell, “Women’s Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee”

    I never knew I could be so obsessed with a t-shirt until I discovered these! They’re so versatile and can be dressed up or worn very casually. What I love most is the style of these shirts, which is kind of baggy/loose, but not unflattering! I’m always finding that plan t-shirts are either weirdly tight to the point they’re uncomfortable in certain areas, or they’re so loose that they look misshapen. These are the perfect in between, which make them so great! I always buy them when they’re on sale, so definitely check them out when you can get a good deal on them! They wash great and do not have piling or random holes, which a lot of other cotton tees tend to do! Love, love, love these!

        
    Tory Burch, “Miller Sandal” 

    I have been wanting these sandals for the longest time and finally gave in and purchased them in July! I have been wearing these non-stop and find they go with every outfit. They’re also super comfortable, which is what I care about most! If you want to splurge on a fancy shoe for summer, I would really recommend these because you’ll certainly get a lot of wear for your money! 

        

    Skincare


    Tony Moly, “I’m Real Avocado Sheet Mask” 

    Sheet masks are an amazing new skincare innovation! Although they look absolutely terrifying when you put it on your face, it’s amazing how they combine all of the skin benefits you would get from paying for an expensive spa facial! The at-home convenience of just taking a sheet and placing it on your face, makes me keep buying these. I love how easy they are because you don’t have to mix a bunch of different products and see what works together. Instead, these sheets are saturated with the exact combination of skincare ingredients to nourish and hydrate your face. The “I’m Real Avocado” is my favorite of the Tony Moly sheet masks because it plumps and softens my skin, giving me a noticeable glow as soon as I remove the sheet and rinse my face! 

       
    Garnier, “Clearly Brighter Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller – Light/Medium” 

    I love using this product to instantly de-puff and conceal my dark circles when I wake up! This product is a miracle worker when I’m rushing out the door for work and need to conceal my dark circles, while also hydrating my sensitive under eyes. Although I layer a more full-coverage concealer on top of this product, you could definitely use it on its own for a lighter, more natural effect! The roller ball is so cooling and feels incredible when you need something to help you wake up in the morning!

       
    Lush, “Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser”

    I am obsessed with this cleanser, ah! I recently bought this product at Lush after reading so many amazing reviews and it is truly a miracle worker! After removing my makeup and cleansing with my Clarisonic, I take this exfoliating product and scrub my face! I notice that it softens my skin since it’s infused with lavender and rose oils, but effectively removes all of my dead skin and rough patches with the ground almonds. I enjoy the fact this is all natural and just as powerful as some of the harsher skincare products I’ve used in the past. It’s amazing to see a product take away my redness and fade my acne scaring so quickly! I highly recommend you try this out because I can see it working great for any skin type! 

    Bronze Eyes and Terracota Lips

    One of my new favorite lipstick shades to wear are these warm, terracotta, burnt-orange colors. I mentioned in my June Favorites that M.A.C “Del Rio” is my latest obsession. I find this product to be especially flattering in the summertime when I have a tan and wear less eye-makeup than usual. One of my favorite ways to look like I put effort into my makeup look is to wear a bold lip color and spend less time focusing on my eyes and face. I love the way this lipstick defines my smile and gives a whitening effect to my teeth, even though it isn’t a blue-based red color. Since I kept the eyes and face super easy, I think this look is totally wearable for work or any daytime occasion as well. Feel free to wear this anywhere you want!


    I began the look by priming my eyes with Urban Decay primer potion in “Eden” to extend the wear time and prevent any creasing of my eyeshadow. For this look, I used ColourPop’s “Sunset Blvd” eyeshadow all over the lid and blended up into the crease. This shade is a gorgeous, golden-bronze shade that compliments the warmth in the lipstick shade. I used my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in “Medium” to further define my crease. I used a mixture of “Sunset Blvd” and my bronzer to blend onto my lower lash line too. Next I took the eyeshadow, “Smog” from my Urban Decay Naked Palette and drew a soft winged eyeliner. I like the effect shadow liner gives my eyes whenever I am wearing a bold lip because it defines, while still being subtle and allowing the lips to steal the show. Next, I used my Tarte Inner Rim Brightener eyeliner on my waterline to give myself a “wide-eyed” appearance. The last step on my eyes was just to apply two coats of L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara on my upper and lower lashes.


    For my face makeup, I did my usual foundation routine and added highlight, blush and bronzer for additional warmth to compliment this look. I would like to point out that the blush photographed very bright and peach, but was more bronze and subtle in person. I like to keep the face fairly simple when doing a bold lip or eye. I find that when I do intense contouring and bright face colors, it can sometimes distract from the statement lip color and throw off the balance of the look. Let me know if you want to see a blog post of my foundation/concealer routine since the products I am using now have changed in the last month!


    Now for the star of the show, the lipstick! I am obsessed with M.A.C lipsticks in general and have not purchased a single shade that I do not like! “Del Rio” is such a unique color and I liked it because I had nothing like it in my collection. I used the Revlon lip liner in “Nude” to outline and define. In my personal opinion, I think using natural colors for lip liner pair better with a bold lip than finding that exact lipstick color in a liner and using them together. Sometimes it can be really harsh and noticeable lining your lips with red and then filling them in with red. Plus, if you make any mistakes or overdraw too crazy, it’s much easier to blend out with a nude shade than a bold one. So after lining and filling in my lips, I applied “Del Rio” all over. This is a satin formula, so it provided a subtle sheen. I personally think the satin formulas are the best from M.A.C because they’re richly pigmented, comfortable to wear and last a long time. This product stayed put through eating and drinking and after hours of wear, it still left a pretty stained effect on my lips. 

      


    I got a lot of compliments on this look because it was minimal makeup, but still appeared that I put effort into getting ready. I think a warm lip shade and a bronzy/gold eye are gorgeous for summer, but equally stunning as we transition into fall. If you want to try the dark lip trend, but are too afraid to wear something intense, I would say this lipstick is a great starting point! It isn’t “dark,” but definitely pigmented and bold, so you’re able to make a statement, without feeling like you’re wearing editorial makeup to the grocery store.

           
    Let me know if you enjoy reading about the different looks I’m loving at the moment and the products I use to achieve them! I enjoy sharing artistry, but find it’s not always the easiest to write about technique. I have always been interested in creating YouTube tutorials, so if you think I should do that, let me know too! Thank you so much for reading 🙂  

    Best Bronzers For Any Budget!

    Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer, Luminous Bronze Light, $50. Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer, Chocolate – medium to deep, $30. Too Faced Beach Bunny Custom-Blend Bronzer, Beach Bunny – bronze/ soft peach/ golden ivory/ golden tan, $30. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer, Bronzer, $14.99. Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer, Medium, $14.99 L’Oreal Glam Bronze Bronzer Summer Collection, Glam Bronze Medium, $14.99.


        

    Bronzers are an essential makeup item during the warmer months. If you’re like me and enjoy looking bronzed on a daily basis, I have some favorite drugstore and high-end bronzers to share with you that I think you will really enjoy! I wanted to break these bronzers up into a few different categories, such as price, color and finish. These are the best formulas in those three different categories in my opinion, so I wanted to share my favorites with you and hopefully help you find a good match that fits your personal preferences!    

    Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer, Luminous Bronze Light, $50. Too Faced Beach Bunny Custom-Blend Bronzer, Beach Bunny – bronze/ soft peach/ golden ivory/ golden tan, $30. Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer, Chocolate – medium to deep, $30.


    We will begin with bronzers in the high-end category that are available for purchase at Sephora. My ride-or-die favorite is the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer. I have been using this product since I was a sophomore in college (aka 2011!) and have never been without it! This is the type of bronzer that goes perfectly with my skin tone no matter the season, so I always like to have it available in my collection. First of all, it smells like chocolate; so that is enough reasoning for you to run out and purchase it immediately. Second of all, it comes in three different shade ranges so you can choose the best match for you, I am in the medium shade known as, “Chocolate.” The formula is creamy and blends seamlessly into the skin. This color is on the cool-toned shade range, which makes it perfect to contour and bronze all at the same time! It is also a matte finish bronzer so if you prefer that look, or have problems with texture on the skin you do not want to emphasize, I think you would really love the smoothing effect of this product. I cannot say enough good things about this bronzer and definitely will keep repurchasing for years to come!

         

    The next high-end bronzer I wanted to mention is also from Too Faced, however it is drastically different than the Chocolate Soleil! The Beach Bunny bronzer is a shimmery, glowing formula of bronzer that has a warm undertone when applied to the skin. It is beautiful for the warm weather when you want your skin to glow and reflect in the light. I would describe this product as having a sophisticated shimmer because it is definitely not glittery by any means. I also love wearing this product as an eye shadow whenever I want to use minimal products on my face. It is a really long-lasting product, as all Too Faced face products seem to be. My favorite way to apply this product is with a big, fluffy brush over the high points of my face for an all-over, artificially sun kissed glow.

        

    Lastly, I had to mention the most luxurious makeup product I own, my Hourglass Ambient Light Bronzer. I honestly cannot believe I paid $50 for a bronzer, but I was so intrigued by the idea of a bronzer being mixed with a luminous swirl of light reflecting powder. I picked up the lightest shade of this formula after reading reviews that the Medium shade looked really orange once applied on the skin. Whenever I wear this product, I am blown away by the finish it gives on my skin. It can be described as a sheer, but buildable formula that naturally bronzes your appearance. Since I do have an olive skin tone, this is more of an all-over face product for me. I use it when I want to give my entire complexion a glowing, bronzed look! This product is not shimmery or sparkly, it truly just has a glow to the formula that is so subtle, people will really think you have this gorgeous, healthy skin naturally! I am always receiving compliments whenever I wear this bronzer!

    L’Oreal Glam Bronze Bronzer Summer Collection, Glam Bronze Medium, $14.99. Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer, Medium, $14.99 Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer, Bronzer, $14.99.


    Of course, I had to mention my favorite bronzers that can be found at your local drugstore! There are so many good inexpensive bronzers out there, but I narrowed it down to my current favorite three. One of my very first makeup products that I ever bought was the Physicians Formula Bronze Booster. When I first started wearing this product in high school, I didn’t realize how great it was without any prior product knowledge to compare it to. Now that I have tried dozens of bronzers in every price range, I can confidently say this is one of the best. It is a very terracotta, warm-toned bronze shade with slight gold shimmer. It is extremely bendable and will look perfect with any makeup look. I love wearing this bronzer throughout the summer because it doesn’t fade regardless of the hot, humid weather and has the perfect amount of subtle shimmer to give the skin a pretty, sun kissed effect.     

    The new Butter Bronzer, also from Physicians Formula, is a gorgeous light bronze, matte shade that truly smells like a tropical vacation. I honestly can’t get over how good this product smells, it reminds me of a pina colada! Even if you don’t purchase this product, you should seriously smell it whenever you see it out in stores. The formula is very smooth and blends so beautifully into the skin. It is a satin-matte finish, which is extremely natural looking. I have my Butter Bronzer in the darkest shade called, “Bronzer” and even that is very light on my skin tone, so this is definitely suited for fair-light gals! They also have a shade even lighter than this, so check it out if you have a hard time finding a bronzer that doesn’t look too harsh! I’m so happy I picked this product up because it’s a perfect neutral brown shade, which are hard to find at the drugstore! I think the packaging is so beautiful and again, I cannot stress enough just how good this bronzer smells! 

        

    I did a full blog post on this L’Oreal Glam Bronze bronzer and wanted to update you on just how much I’m loving it! I use this product on a daily basis because it’s very wearable and easy to blend. I find that this is a product that takes little-to-no effort to blend and instantly gives me that warm bronze shade that looks like I just got out of the sun! I still love this formula and find it to be very long lasting. It is a satin-matte bronzer because it does have slight shimmer in it, but once blended on the skin, it resembles the look of a matte bronze. I think the packaging is great because the pan size is huge; making it easy to swirl your bronzer brush around and pick up product evenly. I love using this bronzer with a warm toned blush and gold highlight because I feel so summery and glowy! 

         

    I really hope you enjoyed reading this post! Hopefully you found a bronzer to pick up next time you’re shopping! Let me know your favorite bronzers because I enjoy testing them out and adding to my collection!